Republic of Ireland and Celtic footballer Anthony Stokes (25) has appeared in court charged with an assault at a Dublin city nightclub.

He was arrested this afternoon.

Mr. Stokes was in Dublin for last night's international friendly against Serbia.

The striker did not make an appearance in the 2-1 defeat, but did appear before Judge Michael Walsh at Dublin District Court this afternoon.

He was brought into the courtroom at around 2:30pm after being arrested at Chancery Street just before lunchtime.

He is charged with assaulting a man in 'Buck Whaley's' nightclub on Leeson Street in the cityon June 8th last.

It is alleged a row broke out and he hit the man causing him injury.

Mr. Stokes kept his arms folded during the brief appearance and nodded when asked to provide gardai with an up to date mobile phone number.

There was no objection to bail and he was ordered to appear before the same court again at the end of May.